KISUMU, 6th Oct 2026 – In 2002, during attempts to unite opposition luminaries under the National Rainbow Coalition (NARC), the late Vice President Michael Kijana Wamalwa famously described Raila Odinga to depict those who loved and loathed him in equal measure as “Railamania” and “Railaphobia.”
“Like most of you, I suffer from a disease that I would call Railaphobia. You see, my good friend and political colleague Raila Odinga elicits fear and admiration in equal measure. Some of us suffer from Railaphobia while others suffer from Railamania!” Wamalwa remarked at the time.
In his two-faced coin description, Wamalwa observed that Railamania was where die-hard admirers loved him with immense fervour and were virtually willing to die for him, while Railaphobia was a state of deep-seated fear and intense dislike among his political opponents and detractors.(allafrica.org).
True to his words, twenty-four years later, despite Raila’s demise on 15th October 2025, Laventer Wesonga (22) is among his admirers still holding aloft the burning torch of his mania –aluta continua.
For decades, Raila, she emphasizes, was the epitome of the struggle for multipartyism and social democracy for the betterment of all Kenyans.
“From Friday, 9th October 2026, I want to embark on a symbolic 72-hour wooden pillar hugging challenge in celebration of the first anniversary since my hero passed away. He fought hard and was jailed because of us,” Laventer said during a media briefing at her intended venue, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Ground, Kisumu.
With immense passion, she is raring to go from 12 noon and is armed with a clean bill of health from doctors.
“I am okay, I can do it,” she reiterated.
During that period, Laventer says she will neither eat food, sip water nor sleep for 24 hours, except taking only glucose to give her energy to keep holding on to attain her dream.
The wooden pillar, which has been made by a carpenter, she explains, is about her height and she is optimistic she will not face challenges holding it.
On why she is not hugging a tree like previous contenders aiming for various recognitions, Laventer stressed, “Raila was a unique person, so I chose a unique thing because he was peace-loving and forgave his political tormentors.”
She rallied citizens to come together and continue Raila’s clarion call for unity of purpose for sustainable growth and development across the country.
“It is my utmost hope that we will all emulate him by fighting for truth, justice and reconciliation for all.”
To crown the moment, Laventer, who is also a budding music artiste, has released a song titled Raila Tribute, currently available on all her social media channels.
She draws immense support from her family led by her father, her younger sister Valentine Ndindi (20) and friends.
“Despite encouraging her to eat, she kept on just looking at me, as she insists on needing encouragement to prepare for the big challenge,” Ndindi said.
To achieve this historic feat, she has secured personal security courtesy of Kisumu County Commissioner Hussein Mwabudzo and approval from the Sports Ground Management to utilize the venue.
Meanwhile, preparations for the first anniversary commemoration of Raila’s death are in top gear, with President William Ruto expected to lead prominent leaders and people from all walks of life across the continent and globe in ceremonies scheduled in the coming weeks at his new mausoleum in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi and his Opoda Farm respectively.
In her parting shot, Laventer urged everyone to come and support her.
To fellow youth, she added that they should not relent in pursuit of personal and professional career growth. “Don’t give up, good things don’t come smoothly and freely, but keep on moving.”
